Seakeeping Course: Ship & Offshore Structure Motion Analysis | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 74 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Ocean Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Dynamics of the Sea: A Deep Dive into Seakeeping
The ability of a ship or offshore platform to perform its intended function safely and efficiently in a seaway is paramount. This discipline, known as seakeeping, is a cornerstone of naval architecture and ocean engineering. It directly impacts structural integrity, operational capability, crew safety, and passenger comfort. For professionals and students aiming to excel in the marine industry, a robust understanding of seakeeping principles is non-negotiable.
Your Guide to Mastering Marine Motion: Prof. Ranadev Datta
This in-depth course is led by Prof. (Dr.) Ranadev Datta, an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. With a PhD specializing in Numerical Ship and Offshore Hydrodynamics from IIT Kharagpur and post-doctoral research experience at IST Lisbon, Prof. Datta brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise.
His primary research focuses on ship and offshore structure seakeeping and hydroelasticity. He has developed advanced computational methods, including a higher-order 3D time-domain panel method for ship motion analysis. Currently, his pioneering work involves solving complex hydroelasticity problems by coupling Boundary Element Methods (BEM) and Finite Element Methods (FEM). He is also innovating ways to integrate potential flow theory with CFD solvers to accurately model localized phenomena like slamming and green water on deck.
Beyond academia, Prof. Datta has a strong industry footprint, having contributed to the classification rulebook for the International Register of Shipping (IRS) and developed stability software for jack-up rigs. This blend of cutting-edge research and real-world application ensures the course content is both theoretically rigorous and practically relevant.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This 12-week course is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students and professionals. It provides a thorough exploration of seakeeping, from fundamental wave theory to advanced design considerations for offshore structures.
ABOUT THE COURSE: Seakeeping is a primary concern for the maritime industry, directly linked to the safety and operational effectiveness of vessels and platforms. This course covers multiple aspects of the seakeeping problem, offering realistic solutions for design challenges. It delves into motion under extreme loads (green water, slamming) and the specific seakeeping behaviors of offshore structures like TLPs and Semi-Submersibles. The curriculum also covers basics of roll damping and motion control algorithms.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Students and professionals in Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, and related Civil Engineering fields.
PREREQUISITES: Basic undergraduate-level mathematics and fundamentals of wave hydrodynamics.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT: This course addresses critical industry needs and is recognized by leading marine organizations such as IRS, L&T, and Cochin Shipyard.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Basic understanding of Linear and Nonlinear Waves, Irregular Waves, Wave Spectrum (with Tutorials) |
| Week 3-4 | Encounter Frequency, Uncoupled Heave, Pitch, and Roll Motion |
| Week 5 | Coupled Equations of Motion, Discussion on Different Motion Stabilizers (with Tutorial) |
| Week 6 | Motion under Extreme Conditions: Slamming & Green Water on Deck, Analytical Models |
| Week 7 | Seakeeping of Offshore Structures: Morison Equation, Mooring Analysis, Classification Rules for 2nd Order Loads, Thruster Capacity |
| Week 8-9 | Ship Motion in Irregular Waves (with Tutorial) |
| Week 10-11 | Derivation of Motion Responses (RAOs) (with Tutorial) |
| Week 12 | Seakeeping Considerations in Design (with Tutorial) |
Essential Reference Materials
To complement the lectures, the course recommends several authoritative texts:
- Dynamics of Ocean Vehicles by Rameswar Bhattacharyya
- Principles of Naval Architecture (Part III) by The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
- Sea Loads on Ships and Offshore Structures by O. M. Faltinsen
Why This Course is Essential for Marine Professionals
In an era where offshore exploration and maritime transport are pushing into harsher environments, predicting and mitigating the effects of sea loads is crucial. This course equips you with:
- Theoretical Foundation: A solid grasp of wave theory and ship motion dynamics.
- Practical Skills: Ability to analyze and predict responses for both ships and complex offshore platforms.
- Problem-Solving for Extreme Events: Knowledge to address critical issues like slamming and deck wetness.
- Design Insight: Understanding of how seakeeping principles directly influence safe and efficient marine structure design.
Led by an expert at the forefront of research and backed by industry relevance, this course is an invaluable investment for anyone serious about a career in naval architecture, offshore engineering, or marine consultancy. Enroll to navigate the complex and fascinating world of seakeeping with confidence.
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